2011 MTV Video Music Awards Recap

2011 Video Music Awards - mtv.com

2011 Video Music Awards - mtv.com

2011 Video Music Awards - mtv.com

Every year, MTV’s Video Music Awards celebrate the best new artists, hottest new albums, and most captivating new music videos, while paying tribute to pop icons of decades past. Millions of fans across the globe tune in to vote for their favorite acts, star watch in the celeb-studded crowd, and watch live performances across several stages.

Without a doubt, the most talked-about element of the VMAs was Lady Gaga’s opening act. From her bold fashion statements to her catchy, hit songs, we can always rely on Lady Gaga to keep things interesting. But when Gaga came on stage to open the VMAs dressed in drag as her chain smoking male alter ego, Jo Calderone, I don’t think anyone in the world knew what to think. Rather than sky-high boots, skin-tight jumpsuits, and vibrant wigs, Gaga was sporting a simple, dirty white tee shirt with rolled up sleeves, black jeans, and a messy black male wig; a look that could have been straight out of Grease in the late 1950s. Jo Calderone proceeded to perform a lengthy monologue about his celebrity girlfriend (who we can only guess to be Gaga), before playing the piano and singing "Yoü And I." No explanation. No wardrobe change. Gaga stayed in character as Calderone for the entire show. Weird. Very weird. Even for Gaga.

My personal favorite moment of the 2011 VMAs was when a glowing Beyonce revealed that she and Jay-Z are pregnant and expecting their first child together. The huge announcement, however, was made with few words. After her live performance on stage, Beyonce unbuttoned her sparkly jacket and rubbed her belly –a simple statement that perfectly conveyed her pregnancy to the world. For viewers, the camera then cut to Jay-Z in the crowd with Kanye West, smiling and bouncing around with over-the-top excitement. We don’t know if they are expecting a boy or girl as of yet, but one thing is for sure: this Hollywood power couple is sure to create the most beautiful and talented baby the world has ever met.